Improving cognitive function after brain injury: the use of exercise and virtual reality

Abstract

Objective: To assess the impact of exercise and virtual reality (VR) on the cognitive rehabilitation of persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Design: Before-after trial assessed cognitive function after a 4-week intervention program. A random allocation crossover assessed changes in reaction and movement times after a single bout of VR exercise and a no-exercise control condition.

Setting: Brain injury rehabilitation unit in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Patients: (1) Four-week intervention: a consecutive sample of 13 suitable TBI adults were compared to control populations (n > 25) of previous TBI patients of similar age, severity, and time postinjury. (2) Single-bout intervention: a consecutive sample of 13 suitable adults with moderate TBI, 6.29 to 202.86 weeks postinjury.

Intervention: Nonimmersive VR exercise.

Main outcome measures: (1) Tests of attention, information processing, learning, and memory. (2) Reaction and movement times.

Results: After the 4-week intervention patients performed significantly better than controls on the digit symbol (p < .01). verbal (p < .01), and visual learning tasks (p < .05). Significant improvements in reaction times (p < .01) and movement times (p < .05) were gained following a single bout of VR exercise.

Conclusion: Exercising in a virtual environment offers the potential for significant gains in cognitive function.